Katsina acting Governor appeals for calm amidst planned protest, highlights government’s efforts to address economic hardships

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Katsina acting Governor, Malam Farouk Lawal Jobe

By Anthony Maliki, Abuja

The Acting Governor of Katsina State, Malam Farouk Lawal Jobe, has appealed to residents of the state, particularly the youth, students, market women, and members of trade unions to engage in constructive dialogue with the government, rather than joining the upcoming nationwide protest.

“I understand the frustrations stemming from the current economic challenges,” said Acting Governor Jobe.

This was contained in a statement from the Media Directorate, Katsina Government House.

“However, I want to assure you that our administration has been working tirelessly to implement measures that will alleviate these hardships and create opportunities for all Katsina residents,” he said.

The Acting Governor highlighted several key initiatives already underway: “We have established a ₦10 billion MSME Growth Fund to support our local businesses. This fund includes various components such as a ₦4 billion Matching Fund with BOI for single-digit interest rate loans, a ₦1 billion managed fund with BOI partly for grants to nano businesses, a ₦1 billion Matching Fund with SMEDAN and Sterling Bank, and a ₦4 billion Export Facilitation Matching Fund with Nexim Bank. We’ve also created the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) to provide crucial support to our local entrepreneurs.”

The acting Governor continued, “we are developing Common Facility Centres in all three Senatorial Districts, focusing on tailoring, leather works, packaging, agricultural processing, and ICT. We’ve renovated and upgraded the Katsina Industrial Development Centre and resuscitated the Katsina Youth Craft Village for skills acquisition. Our launch of the Dikko BDS Corp will provide essential business advisory services to our budding entrepreneurs.”

Malam Jobe said the state government has implemented an MSME Census and Survey to guide future interventions and established the Katsina Employability Project to enhance job opportunities.

It also created a ₦542 million Victims Support Matching Livelihood Fund in collaboration with UNDP to assist those affected by security challenges and training programs for 3,000 youth mechanic apprentices and 10,000 women across all local government areas are already underway to equip people with valuable skills for the future.

“These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the lives of all Katsina residents,” the acting Governor stated.

The Acting Governor urged citizens to channel their energies into productive endeavours and to take advantage of the opportunities being created. “Let us work together to build the Katsina State we all desire. Your government is listening and acting. We invite you to be part of the solution.”

Acting Governor Jobe added, “My dear people of Katsina, we are at a crucial juncture in our state’s history. The challenges we face are significant, but so are the opportunities before us. I call upon each one of you – our vibrant youth, our hardworking market women, our dedicated union members, and every resident of Katsina – to join hands with us in lifting our state forward. Your energy, your ideas, and your commitment are invaluable assets in our journey towards prosperity.”